Dissident republicans urged to ‘seize opportunity’ in local launch of Border Poll | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Dissident republicans urged to ‘seize opportunity’ in local launch of Border Poll

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams TD was accompanied by Newry and Armagh MP Conor Murphy, MLAs Mickey Brady and Megan Fearon and councillors from both sides of the border in Dundalk for the local launch of Sinn Féin’s campaign for a border poll.

Sinn Féin Louth TD and party president Gerry Adams said that the “disastrous impact of partition is nowhere more evident than along the border corridor”. The Sinn Féin leader specifically addressed those “who are usually described as dissident”.

Adams said, “I would urge all republicans and nationalists, irrespective of which political party or tendency they support, to seize this opportunity to advance republican and nationalist objectives.

“I would especially ask those who are usually described as ‘dissident’ to recognise the potential that the Border Poll initiative holds.

“There is now a democratic and peaceful way to bring about Irish unity. There is no reason whatever for any group to engage in or promote or support violent actions.

“The challenge for thinking republicans is to find ways to engage with and to listen to the concerns and ambitions of our unionist neighbours.

Adams continued, “As the anniversary of the Easter Rising approaches I want to appeal directly to groups which claim to follow in that tradition to reflect on their position. Now is the time for them to show courage and in the spirit of the 1916 Proclamation to embrace a peaceful way forward.

“This is a phase of political activity that is about persuasion; it’s about democratic conversations and winning support for Irish unity. Violent actions will not assist this process. Violent actions will make the task of achieving a YES vote more difficult. So, consider the options. Examine the possibilities. And don’t miss this opportunity.

Conor Murphy MP added, “It is significant that we are in Dundalk today and that I represent its twin town Newry, just up the road. The fortunes of both towns have been blighted by partition and the effects which partition has had.

He added, “I believe Irish unity makes sense. I believe it makes political and economic sense and that it is in the best interests of the people of these islands. The Good Friday Agreement provides a legislative, peaceful and democratic route to Irish unity. A border poll is the means. So, let the people decide!”

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Posted by on Feb 18 2013. Filed under News, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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